201 Stainless Steel material question

[Mirilis]

So Work makes these domed bottom tanks (1-1/4 inch threaded on bottom) and they are made of 201 Stainless. Would that work to make a fermenter out of without any ill effects from the acidity of fermenting wort?

I read a little on it and it appears its quite similar to 301 but with less nickel content. It is typically non magnetic but can become that way with cold working.

Anyone have any input?

 

[Stealthcruiser]

What are the tanks "specified" for, when you shop them @ "Work"?

 

[Mirilis]

they are tanks for dental/medical vacuum (oil less)

It looks like this one here obviosly not painted because its scrapped.

 

[Onkel_Udo]

So Work makes these domed bottom tanks (1-1/4 inch threaded on bottom) and they are made of 201 Stainless. Would that work to make a fermenter out of without any ill effects from the acidity of fermenting wort?

I read a little on it and it appears its quite similar to 301 but with less nickel content. It is typically non magnetic but can become that way with cold working.

Anyone have any input?

Official Answer, 200-series (201 and 202) are unlikely to get a stamp from any rating agency as food safe for the food processing industry.

Unofficial answer, as long as it is be rinsed after use, your most likely are of corrosion will be the parting line between the air and liquid. While this is C02 blanketed, corrosion will be very minimal.

I would use it but I would honestly prefer a well made plastic tank.

 

[Mirilis]

That due to reduced nickel content?

 

[Onkel_Udo]

That due to reduced nickel content?

If I am not mistaken any lower nickel is replaced by manganese. Honestly, it is based of of materials testing for anchor bolts in various environments.

201 fares about as well as 304 in salt spray test I think but much worse in acid spray test. Acid bath does nothing different from 304.

It has been years since I observed the tests so I may have it a little off. I know the company I worked for at the time decided not to use 201 for any anchor bolts due the changes in property when they were stamped but they do use 201/202 for washers on a lot corrosion resistant systems...just not ones where nuke, food, or DOT testing is required.